Nigeria Boosts Regional Security with European Union’s WAPIS Platform Handover
By The People’s Voice Nigeria | News
In a major step to enhance national and regional security, the Federal Government of Nigeria has officially received the West African Police Information System (WAPIS) platform and infrastructure from the European Union and INTERPOL. The platform, designed to strengthen data-sharing and collaboration among law enforcement agencies, represents a significant milestone in tackling transnational crimes across West Africa.
L-R: Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam receiving the Handing over document from INTERPOL, Executive Director Police Services, Cyril Gou, At the background were Dr. Isac Armstrong, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Abdel Fatau Musa and European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Gautier Mignot during the official handing over ceremony of WAPIS Programme at the ECOWAS Secretariat Asokoro, Abuja
The handover ceremony took place at the ECOWAS Secretariat in Abuja, with Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, Nigeria’s Minister of Police Affairs, receiving the platform from Cyril Gout, INTERPOL’s Executive Director for Police Services. The Minister underscored Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to regional security cooperation and the sustainability of the WAPIS initiative.
Senator Gaidam highlighted the progress achieved since Nigeria’s signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with INTERPOL in 2019. Among the key outcomes is the establishment and operationalization of the Data Collection and Registration Centre (DACORE) at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja, inaugurated in 2021.
L-R: Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam , INTERPOL, Executive Director Police Services, Cyril Gou, and ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Abdel Fatau Musa during the official handing over ceremony of WAPIS Programme at the ECOWAS Secretariat Asokoro, Abuja
The Minister also acknowledged the inclusion of multiple law enforcement agencies in the programme, including the NDLEA, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Immigration Service, EFCC, NAPTIP, Nigeria Customs Service, and Nigeria Correctional Service, with the Nigeria Police Force as the coordinating body. These efforts reflect a commitment to effective, data-driven law enforcement.
European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, commended the €380 million EU investment that enabled the creation of secure, centralized police information systems across West Africa. “This platform is a vital step in modernizing regional security operations,” he stated.
L-R: European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Gautier Mignot; Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam; ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Abdel Fatau Musa receiving and INTERPOL, Executive Director Police Services, Cyril Gouduring the official handing over ceremony of WAPIS Programme at the ECOWAS Secretariat Asokoro, Abuja
Similarly, INTERPOL’s Cyril Gout praised Nigeria’s role in integrating law enforcement data systems, which he described as a major advance in combating human trafficking and organized crime. He emphasized the importance of continued capacity building and training to sustain the platform’s effectiveness.
The Ministry of Police Affairs recently hosted a three-day WAPIS Workshop, themed “Interagency Collaboration on Information Sharing among Law Enforcement Agencies in Nigeria.” The workshop brought together key stakeholders to strategize, resulting in recommendations submitted to the Federal Executive Council.
With President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration actively reviewing a comprehensive budget proposal to support the initiative, and efforts to ensure stable internet connectivity at DACORE, Nigeria is poised to fully leverage the WAPIS platform’s potential. This development symbolizes a significant leap in security innovation, fostering regional stability and cooperation.
